Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality or state of being indecent: This refers to behavior, appearance, or expression that offends against accepted standards of decency or modesty.
   • An indecent act: A specific action or behavior that is considered morally or socially offensive, obscene, or improper.

Usage

• As an uncountable noun (quality): Used to describe the abstract characteristic of being offensive to public moral standards.
  • The film was banned for its indecency.
  • He was shocked by the indecency of their language.
• As a countable noun (act): Used to refer to a specific offensive action, often in legal contexts.
  • He was arrested and charged with committing an indecency.
  • Such indecencies will not be tolerated in this establishment.

Examples

• The committee discussed the indecency of the proposed advertisement.
• In many jurisdictions, public indecency is a criminal offense.
• She was appalled by the indecency of the remarks made during the meeting.
• The novel was controversial in its time due to its perceived indecency.

Advanced Usage

• "Gross indecency": A historical legal term for certain sexual acts considered particularly offensive.
  • The law against gross indecency was repealed.
• In a moral or philosophical context: Used to debate the boundaries of acceptable behavior in society.
  • The essay explores the concept of indecency in modern art.

Variants and Related Words

• Indecent (adjective): Offensive to accepted standards of decency or modesty.
  • They were fined for broadcasting indecent material.
• Indecently (adverb): In an indecent manner.
  • He was accused of behaving indecently.
• Decency (noun): The opposite quality; behavior that conforms to accepted standards of morality or respectability.

Synonyms

• Immorality: The state or quality of being morally wrong.
• Obscenity: The state or quality of being obscene; extremely offensive language or behavior.
• Impropriety: Failure to observe standards of behavior.
• Lewdness: Crude and offensive in a sexual way.

Antonyms

• Decency: Conformity to prevailing standards of propriety.
• Modesty: Behavior, manner, or appearance intended to avoid impropriety or indecency.
• Propriety: Conformity to conventionally accepted standards of behavior or morals.

Notes

• The perception of what constitutes indecency can vary greatly across different cultures, historical periods, and social groups.
• In legal contexts, such as communications or public behavior laws, indecency often has a specific statutory definition.

Noun

1. an indecent or improper act
2. the quality of being indecent